How much money does it cost to go to Antarctica?

Our experts share their inside knowledge and money-saving tips to help you answer the question “How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?” The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $8,000 per person. The least expensive expeditions start at under $5,000. Luxury voyages can exceed $15,000 per person.

Is it cheaper to go to Antarctica?

Count on spending around USD 5,500 – 6,500 for the whole trip. When it comes to trips to Antarctica, the term 'budget' is relative — but this is still a lot less than paying the full price of USD 10,000 or more. A trip to Antarctica is not something many will think about doing twice — even if they want to.

Can you legally go to Antarctica?

As of 2020, there are 54 counties party to the treaty. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there. If you are a citizen of a country that is a signatory of the Antarctic Treaty, you do need to get permission to travel to Antarctica. This is nearly always done through tour operators.

Why is it so expensive to travel to Antarctica?

Going to Antarctica is expensive for companies when you think about the costs they endure. The military-grade ship, the equipment, the zodiac boats, the permits, the food, and everything else it takes to safely get to the 7th continent are all very high ticket items.

Is it worth it to go to Antarctica?

There are myriad reasons to visit Antarctica. First, the epic landscapes: vast stretches of pack ice, hulking icebergs, mirror-like bays and colossal mountains and glaciers. Second, the wildlife. You will see hundreds of penguins: Gentoo, Chinstrap and, if you're lucky, some penguin chicks too.

How Expensive is ANTARCTICA | Budget Travel

Do people live in Antarctica?

Antarctica is the only continent with no permanent human habitation. There are, however, permanent human settlements, where scientists and support staff live for part of the year on a rotating basis. The continent of Antarctica makes up most of the Antarctic region.

Can you take a boat to Antarctica?

You can get to Antarctica by boat or plane. Sailing the Drake Passage from the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula takes 48 hours. Flying to Antarctica takes 2 hours. Approximately 54,000 visitors make the journey each year, with around 50 expedition vessels sailing Antarctic waters each season.

Does Antarctica have a hotel?

Many people are surprised to discover there are actually no hotels in Antarctica. Regardless of the total absence of hotels in the Antarctic, it is possible to stay on the continent. These Antarctic hotel alternatives range from luxury lodges to comfortable campsites.

Can you buy Antarctica?

Antarctica is the Earth's only continent without a native human population, and no one country can claim to own it.

How long can you stay in Antarctica?

The majority of scientists and support staff living in Antarctica stay for short term contracts of 3-6 months, although some stay for as long as 15 months (two summers and one winter).

What are the 12 countries in Antarctica?

Why can't planes fly over Antarctica?

The polar regions interfere with magnetic navigational equipment, making it harder for planes to navigate. It can also be difficult for planes to connect with flight controllers because of the location's isolation.

What is forbidden in Antarctica?

However, in Antarctica, taking anything is banned. This includes rocks, feathers, bones, eggs and any kind of biological material including traces of soil. Taking anything man-made is also completely banned, as some might actually be research equipment.

How cold is Antarctica?

In winter, sea ice envelops the continent and Antarctica is plunged into months of darkness. The monthly mean temperature at the South Pole in winter hovers around -60°C (-76°F). Along the coast, winter temperatures range between −15 and −20 °C (-5 and −4 °F).

Who owns the Antarctic?

People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system.

Do you need a passport to go to Antarctica?

To enter into Antarctica, a valid passport is required. It is also required for travel through the country or countries that you transit through en route to and from Antarctica.

Can you have a baby in Antarctica?

Eleven babies have been born in Antarctica, and none of them died as infants. Antarctica therefore has the lowest infant mortality rate of any continent: 0%. What's crazier is why the babies were born there in the first place.

Can I build a house in Antarctica?

Unlike just about any where else in the world, it is not really possible to build easily in Antarctica using naturally found materials (igloos aside which aren't permanent structures). There are no trees at all for instance and so no wood.

Are there houses in Antarctica?

For decades Antarctica - the only continent with no indigenous population - hosted only the simplest huts as human shelters. But, as Matthew Teller finds out, architecture in the coldest, driest, windiest reaches of our planet is getting snazzier.

Can you sleep in Antarctica?

Plus, it's a great story to say you've slept on the Antarctic Continent, it will impress at any party or dinner. *A bivouac sack, 'bivy bag' or simply 'bivy', is a weatherproof cover for a sleeping bag with a breathing hole, allowing you to sleep out in the elements without a tent.

What do you eat in Antarctica?

Why is Antarctica guarded?

No, Antarctica is not guarded, in fact, it's the only continent where there is an effective international demilitarization agreement, called the Antarctic Treaty, which promotes peace and prohibits any military activity in the region.

What is the human population in Antarctica?

The summertime population of Antarctica is around 5000 people (not including those on ships), but this drops to just 1000 people continent-wide during the long, dark, cold winter. The relatively accessible Antarctic Peninsula has numerous bases operated by the British, Chileans, Argentinians, Czech Republic and more.

Is there an airport in Antarctica?

Union Glacier Blue-Ice Runway (runway length: 9,842 ft) is also one of the capital runways and it's operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions providing tours to the interior of Antarctica as well as expedition support.